ISLAMABAD:After facing strong resistance from the Sindh province, ruled by one of its major coalition partners, the PPP, the PML-N-led federal government has withdrawn a notification appointing a former federal secretary, Zafar Mahmood, as the chairman of the Indus River System Authority (Irsa).
During the previous term of the PML-N, Mahmood was also appointed as the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman after retiring as a federal secretary.
However, Mahmood had to step down as the Wapda chairman due to the former prime minister’s displeasure over the non-completion of dams, especially the Neelum Jhelum hydropower project.
Now, Shehbaz Sharif made his first controversial decision soon after becoming the prime minister for the second time by appointing Mahmood as the chairman of Irsa, a regulator comprising members from all four provinces for the fair and transparent distribution of water resources.
The province of Sindh strongly objected to the move, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah conveying his reservations to Shehbaz in a telephone call. PM Shehbaz assured Shah to address his concerns.
Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro later told media that the CM in his conversation with Shehbaz emphasized the appointment of the Irsa chairman through rotation among provincial members in line with a decision of the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
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